The smarter E India and Intersolar India 2024: Spotlight on solutions for clean  energy ecosystem

Events

Registering double-digit growth in visitor count as well as net exhibition space over the previous edition, The smarter E India 2024 – organized by Messe Muenchen India, Solar Promotion International GmbH, and Freiburg Management and Marketing International GmbH (FMMI) – concluded with happy faces, meaningful handshakes, and unprecedented business opportunities for all participants. Amidst the exciting announcement by the Honorable PM Shri Narendra Modi to launch one crore solar rooftops in the country and Gujarat’s continuing success as the solar manufacturing hub of India, this exhibition and conferences brought together thought leaders, decision makers, and industry veterans to come up with technology solutions and partnerships for the clean energy transition.

In anticipation of the trade fair, Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister, Government of Gujarat, said, “The entire world is blessed with different sources of power from nature. Sunlight and water are the best examples of power generating sources across the world. Our Honorable Prime Miniter has envisaged that India will lead the world in renewable energy in the ensuing future. Thus, I am very pleased that the latest edition of The smarter E India trade fair in Gandhinagar brings together multiple exhibitions to take an in-depth look at the latest trends and innovations in this sector. I hope this platform will become a boon to all the stakeholders along with new entrepreneurs wishing to venture in such a progressive sector. I congratulate the organizers for their efforts.

Chief Guest at the inauguration of The smarter E India 2024, Arun Mahesh Babu M S, IAS, MD, Gujarat Power Corporation Limited, said, “Gujarat has over 60% of the solar manufacturing market capitalization in India, and I have seen good representation from all the local manufacturers as well as national and international players at this trade fair. Therefore, I am convinced that this platform will continue to contribute significantly towards India’s Net Zero targets. Gujarat has a lot to offer the solar manufacturing ecosystem in terms of progressive policies and strong infrastructure, thus offering many takeaways for all participants at The smarter E India in Gandhinagar.”

With more than 65% of the exhibitors from the manufacturing side of solar, energy storage, green hydrogen and electric mobility, this edition saw large participation from some of the most important players such as Reliance New Energy, Adani Solar, Waaree, Vikram Solar, Emmvee, SMA, Growatt, Grew, Rayzon, Solex, Goldi, Luminous, KP Group amongst many others. Additionally, the exhibition also witnessed representation by the SME manufacturing community from across the country. Visitors to this edition comprised installers and integrators, grid operators, manufacturers and suppliers, large-scale distributors, energy consultants, government officials and policymakers, architects and energy planners, investors, project developers, EPC contractors, urban planners, and more.

The four days of conferences at the Hotel Leela Gandhinagar witnessed 19+ sessions covering diverse topics like the National Hydrogen Roadmap, battery & inverter technologies, latest advancements in solar manufactuing, and EV charging infrasturcture, among many others. The leading voices at this forum comprised Indian and international experts in material science, energy & trade policy, project finance, and many more from both public and private sectors.

Speaking at one of the conferences on green hydrogen, Subramanian Chidambaran, Chief Strategy Officer, Cummins India, said, “I am impressed by the caliber of experts and delegates, and the insights expressed through diverse perspectives of technology, consumption, and academia. The exhibition complements the conference perfectly, as all the topics that we see on slides in the conference can be experienced at the exhibition. I am grateful to be part of this dynamic event.”

Awadhesh Jha, Executive Director, GLIDA (formerly Fortum Charge & Drive India), said, “This platform offers a two-pronged approach – a dynamic exhibition showcasing future-forward technologies, and insightful conferences on real-world applications and regulations. Events like this provide invaluable opportunities to explore the industry, understand latest technologies, and learn how to integrate them strategically into one’s business.”

Commenting on the positive response to The smarter E India 2024, Bhupinder Singh, CEO, Messe Muenchen India, said, “We are delighted to close yet another successful edition in the solar manufacturing hub of Gujarat. This edition has proved once again that this exhibition and conferences bring together the best ideas and winning partnerships that contribute towards India’s Net Zero ambitions. With a renewable energy target of 500 GW by 2030, including a substantial share of solar energy generation, India needs to achieve scale and impact in manufacturing to reach one crore solar rooftops, in addition to securing energy sufficiency for all citizens. We are proud to continue participating in this mission by enabling meaningful handshakes; unlocking business opportunities at this edition. We look forward to more collaborations with all our customers and partners for the growth and prosperity of this industry.”

Exhibitors’ Voice

Dr. Omkar Jani, President and CTO, Reliance New Energy, said, “This is a great platform to meet existing and potential customers, look out for talent, and understand the local manufacturing ecosystem. I’m most excited by new technologies and innovations, and this edition has delivered a wow factor in that regard.”

Rahul Bhutiani, Head – Sales & Marketing, Adani Solar, said “It is indeed an exciting time to be in the solar manufacturing space, including modules, cells and ancillaries. We are glad to have a large participation this year too as I can see a good visitor turnout and high-energy participation from the ecosystem. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with this platform.”

Shantanu Sirsath, CTO, Growatt Energy Projects, said, “Every edition of Intersolar is important for us to meet not only our customers from Gujarat but from across the country. This year we have received good interest for our new inverter technologies because of our strong service support network throughout India. We are grateful to this platform for offering us a chance to share our success stories with new and potential customers.”

Buyers’ Speak

Vinod Kumar Saini, Lead Procurement, ib vogt Solar India

“The targeted buyer-seller meetings are a fantastic networking opportunity between focused buyers and serious sellers. This year I have seen good energy and positive vibes between the buyers and sellers. I am sure my meetings here will yield productive results in the coming weeks. Thanks, Intersolar India for all the hardwork.”

Ashish Domadiya, Co-founder, Vitrag Solar,

“I have been coming to Intersolar India for many years now and every time I take back some new ideas and contacts to build my business. Over the years, I have realized that this platform is a must-attend for everyone who is serious about the solar business, and therefore I ensure never to miss the opportunity to be here. Great show this year as well!”

Conference Delegates

Rahil Mehrotra, General Manager, Coated Sales – OEM, JSW Steel Limited “Intersolar India provides a unique platform where diverse stakeholders across the renewable energy sector can converge. The breadth of innovative solutions exhibited, and the valuable exchange of ideas serve as powerful catalysts in driving India towards its ambitious renewable energy goals.”

Captain Manmeet Singh, Founder & CEO, IGR Innovations Inc

“The conferences were highly informative, facilitating connections with key solar industry leaders, from manufacturers to financiers. The strong international presence, especially from Germany, highlighted the event’s global reach